BBC Three commits to new comedy

BBC Three – which as of 2015 will become an online channel – has commissioned two new comedies, 600 Days and Top Coppers.

600 Days (w/t) is a brand-new six part comedy created and written by Dan Swimer (Grandma’s House, Bad Education) and Adam Kay (Mongrels, Up The Women), about the ultimate unlikely couple who end up on the wrong side of the law.

The series follows straight-laced Luke, played by stand-up comedian Elis James, who finds himself sentenced to two years in a Young Offenders Institution along with Kadiff Kirwan as his girlfriend’s brother Jason (Jesus Christ Superstar, Home). Luke will have to rely on Jason’s street smarts to get him through. Unfortunately, Jason is a massive idiot.

2011 Foster’s Best Newcomer nominee Cariad Lloyd is on hand to keep a watchful eye on the boys as prison officer Dawn, alongside her unsettling colleague Creg, played by Ricky Champ (Him & Her, Youngers). The series will also introduce a host of brand-new comedic actors to the channel.

The series was It is a BBC In-house Comedy production, produced by James Farrell and executive produced by Pete Thornton.

Also commissioned is a new 30-minute pilot action comedy, Top Coppers about police detectives John Mahogany (Conor McKenna) and Mick Rust (John Kearns).

The series also stars Charlotte Ritchie and Tom Bennett.

Top Coppers is being produced by Bertie Peek and executive produced by Ash Atalla for Roughcut Television.

Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, said: “With Top Coppers and 600 Days we’re backing a new wave of talent as both have sublime casts and are exciting additions to the comedy slate on BBC Three.”

BBC Three Controller, Zai Bennett said: “BBC Three is at the heart of new comedy in the UK and is not only still on air, but thriving.”

Adding: “BBC Three has a rich history of spotting and nurturing the UK’s best young talent. I’m sure the combination of a cleverly crafted script and the comedy world’s hottest rising stars means we’ll be bringing our audience something truly unique.”